§ 23-74. Same—Driving within.

(a)

Where traffic lanes have been marked, it shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to fail or refuse to keep such vehicle within the boundaries of any such lane, except when lawfully passing another vehicle or preparatory to making a lawful turning movement or as otherwise authorized by ordinance.

(b)

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith, shall apply:

(1)

A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane, and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.

(2)

Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn, or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of such allocation.

(3)

A two-way left-turn lane is a lane near the center of the roadway set aside for use by vehicles making left turns in both directions from or into the roadway. Two way left turn lanes shall be designated by distinctive roadway markings consisting of parallel double yellow lines, interior line dashed and exterior line solid, on each side of the lane. A vehicle shall not be driven in a designated two-way left-turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into a roadway. Vehicles turning left from the roadway shall not be driven in the two-way left-turn lane for more than two hundred feet while preparing for and making the turn. A vehicle turning left onto the roadway may utilize the two way left turn lane as a staging area by stopping and waiting for traffic proceeding in the same direction to clear before merging into the adjacent lanes of travel. A left turn shall not be made from any other lane where a two way left turn lane has been designated. Provided, however, this section shall not prohibit driving across a two way left turn lane when moving from a service drive onto such marked roadway.

(Code 1970, §§ 20-33, 20-41; Code 1977, § 23-74; Ord. No. 2453, § I, 5-20-2002; Ord. No. 2836, § I, 12-4-2006)

State law reference

Similar provisions, 47 O.S. § 11-309.